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Part of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 420 metres south west of Barrowmead Cottage is a section of an important early medieval earthwork that runs for several miles across the Somerset landscape. The Wansdyke is generally understood to date from the late sixth or seventh century and represents a significant linear defensive or territorial boundary, though scholarly debate continues regarding its precise original function and dating. This particular section, like the broader monument, comprises a substantial bank and ditch formation that would have served to demarcate and possibly fortify the landscape. The monument's survival in the Somerset countryside provides valuable evidence for understanding early medieval territorial organisation and construction methods in the region.
Part of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 420m south west of Barrowmead Cottage is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1007005. View the official record →
Part of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 420 metres south west of Barrowmead Cottage is a section of an important early medieval earthwork that runs for several miles across the Somerset landscape. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1007005.
Part of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 420m south west of Barrowmead Cottage is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1007005.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wansdyke: section 1230yds (1120m) eastwards from Burnt House Inn (1.2 km), Roman villa at Upper Hayes (4.2 km), Stoney Littleton long barrow (5.1 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of Part of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 420m south west of Barrowmead Cottage's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Part of the linear boundary known as the Wansdyke 420m south west of Barrowmead Cottage stands on Inferior Oolite Group, bedrock that formed in the Bathonian. The rock here is limestone, sandstone, siltstone and mudstone.